3 Clippers Playing Their Final Postseason in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Clippers are headed to the NBA Playoffs as the fourth-seed and will face the Dallas Mavericks in the first round as they try to make the first NBA Finals in franchise history. They will continue to rely on their core three of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden when trying to do so.

As good of a regular season as this was for the Clippers, it's not going to mean much without postseason success. How far the Clippers go will also determine the future of the franchise and the roster for next season. An underwhelming, early exit could signal a transformative offseason. Here are the three likeliest Clippers to not be on the roster next year.

Paul George

The 33-year-old forward made his ninth All-Star game this season, while playing the most games he has ever played as a member of the Clippers. He is still one of the best second options in the league, playing the role of Robin to Kawhi's Batman perfectly, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He once again hit over 40 percent of his threes while playing solid defense on the perimeter, guarding multiple positions.

However, PG13's contract is expiring at the end of the season and he is no longer the surefire max player he once was at his age. He has a player option for $48.7 million for next season but he is likely to opt out and secure a long-term deal in the offseason.

It is a bad sign that the Clippers and George still haven't come to an agreement on that front while Leonard and the team signed an extension during the season.

The Philadelphia 76ers are rumored to be interested in George and they have ample cap space this summer. Unless the Clippers go far in the playoffs, owner Steve Ballmer might not have the stomach to give Paul George another massive payday.